Zomerrefter in de Abdij van Maulbronn c. 1895 - 1900

This photograph captures the interior of the Summer Refectory in Maulbronn Abbey. Though the artist is unknown, the image provides a glimpse into the architecture and atmosphere of a space designed for communal dining. Refectories were historically spaces of controlled social interaction, particularly within monastic communities. Gender and class dynamics would have shaped the experiences of those who occupied this room. Monks, who were typically men from privileged backgrounds, gathered here, separated from the outside world and observing strict rules of conduct. As such, the photograph prompts us to consider issues of social hierarchy, gendered spaces, and the regulation of daily life. The visual narrative of the photograph doesn't invite us to celebrate tradition but rather to question what is not immediately visible, encouraging reflection on the voices and experiences often obscured by institutional structures.